The public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing, which resulted in 29 fatalities, commenced its first substantive hearings on January 28, 2025, at the Strule Arts Centre in County Tyrone.

The inquiry will begin with testimonies from bereaved families, including those of Spanish nationals Fernando Blasco Baselga, 12, and Rocio Abad Ramo, 23, who were tragically killed in the attack.

Families affected by the bombing are hopeful that this inquiry will finally provide answers regarding the worst atrocity during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Lord Turnbull, overseeing the inquiry, has committed to conducting it rigorously and independently, emphasizing the need for impartiality.

Allegations have surfaced that police ignored critical warnings about the impending attack, raising concerns about prior knowledge of the bombing.

Gallagher acknowledged the hearings will be challenging for bereaved families but stressed the importance of focusing on the victims' voices.

Among the victims to be commemorated are 21-month-old Breda Devine, 16-year-old Alan Radford, and 20-year-old Deborah-Anne Cartwright, highlighting the diverse impact of the tragedy.

The Omagh bombing, carried out by the Real IRA on August 15, 1998, resulted in the deaths of 29 people, including a pregnant woman and her unborn twins, and injured 220 others.

The inquiry aims to investigate whether UK authorities could have reasonably prevented this devastating attack.

Established by the UK government in 2024, the inquiry follows a High Court judgment that highlighted security failings prior to the bombing.

The Irish Government has agreed to assist with the inquiry, which seeks to address the pain and trauma experienced by families affected by the bombing across the UK and Ireland.

Michael Gallagher, whose son Aiden died in the bombing, has campaigned for years for this inquiry, advocating for accountability from authorities.